Season two of the Turkish fantasy drama titled Shahmaran arrived on Netflix on August 8, 2024, continuing the mythical saga of Şahmeran yet again. Season two is unlike season one; we get more answers than questions as the story unfolds.
Shahmaran season two picks up right from where season one ends, wasting no time, with Sahsu in the lake, having visions related to the prophecy and Lilith's most awaited rise. This well-veered second installment puts the story in place and revisits the legends and folklore of Shahmaran, thereby displaying the saga of love and betrayal once again.
Season two is better than season one and is worth a watch. It has a better and faster-paced story, more happenings, and a twist in the end to keep the cycle going, which Maran fans may not like. Multiple cliffhangers marked the conclusion of the first season of the narrative, and season two provides all the answers viewers have been waiting for.
(Note: This is based on the writer's opinion. This article contains spoilers from Shahmaran season two.)
The focus of season 2 is Lilith and Shahmaran
Season 2 of Shahmaran starts with Lilith finally coming out of the well after gaining enough strength to confront her sister and end the prophecy and the cycle. Once Lilith is free, she kills anyone and everyone coming her way as she is consumed by hatred for humans. However, Lilith has to wait for the whole season to confront her sister Shahmaran, who is there but yet not there.
Meanwhile, Cavages, Maran, and Sahsu try to figure out how to complete Sahsu's transformation. From the first episode, viewers must wait until Sahsu opens all three doors and reveals Şahmeran's true form. We get glimpses of her rise and presence from episode one; however, the wait feels too long as it consumes the whole season.
While Sahsu is busy figuring out what and how she will complete the inevitable tasks, Maran is interrupted by Lilith and Cihan's chaos. Cihan wants to take down Maran after he kills his father in season two. However, Cihan is mind controlled by Lilith, who stops her from killing him.
The chemistry between Sahsu and Maran this season is stronger, and despite Lilith's manipulations, they do not fall out.
In the end, when Davut dies, and the final step of the transformation is complete, Lilith arrives in time to kill Camsap. After the death of Camsap, the cycle is broken, but Şahmeran quickly finds a new way to restart the cycle again. Next, the showdown between Lilith and Shahmaran is disappointing as Lilith is once again sent back to the same well from where she had risen after her sister forgives her.
The concluding scene of season 2 shows Gurmak arriving with his men to kill Sahmaran so that he can heal himself. This time, however, Maran doesn't betray Sahmaran; he is the sole reason humans have found her again, to fulfill their selfish desires. She accepts her fate happily for the cycle to continue, giving humans another chance in this game of love and betrayals.
Although we do not see the death of Şahmeran on screen, as the weapon strikes her body, it is evident that she is dead, and the cycle continues with Maran being the next Camsap. Season two ends with a post-credit scene where Maran is reminded of the presence of Shahmaran while he is working and he feels a strong wind touching his face and body, reminding him of his lost love.
Season two is better than season one in multiple ways. The story is more fast-paced in the second season as Lilith plots her revenge while Sahsu tries to open all three doors to summon Shahmaran. The showrunners could have done a better job with the pacing; however, it is better than season one, which was extremely slow-paced.
However, viewers are left waiting until the last moments for a final glimpse of Shahmaran, which feels unusually long. The showmakers have tried to wrap up the season with 6 short episodes however most of the episodes seem out of place. Most scenes are cut in the wrong places, killing the built-up suspense. However, the background score this time feels a little too much with the constant hissing at Lilith's arrival.
In contrast, Lilith's character gets a lot of screen time in season two and does a good job telling the story and embodying the character, but some of her killings appear pointless. Sahsu does a fantastic job on screen once more, but Maran in season two feels like a supporting role, and even if he plays a significant role in the plot, Lilith's presence overshadows his aura.
Final thoughts
Season two is packed with plot, even though it only has six little episodes. Even the visuals, clothes, and location feel richer than those of season one.
If you have seen season one of Shahmaran, season two is the season you have been waiting for. It not only completes the story of Shahmaran but also marks a twist in the saga for the cycle to continue. Watch the show on 1.5x for a better viewing experience. International viewers can use Turkish audio with English subtitles for a more raw Turkish drama experience.
While the showrunners have not renewed Shahmaran for a third season, fans can expect a third installment, which can explore the fate of Maran and how he will deal with being the new Camsap.
If you are new to the show, you must know Şahmeran and the Legend of Shahmeran to connect with the show and its characters. Interested viewers can read online about this mythological being, who is the center of the Netflix drama.
Season 2 of Shahmaran is now playing on Netflix. If you have seen season two already, let us know about your thoughts on the second season in the comments below.